From May 12 to 13, 2025, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Benjamin Dousa, paid his first official visit to Vietnam in his ministerial role. The visit not only reaffirmed the traditional friendship of over 55 years between the two countries, but also paved the way for new directions in strategic cooperation, as Vietnam emerges as a key hub for production and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnam – Sweden: Strong Friendship and Substantive Cooperation
During his meeting with Minister Benjamin Dousa, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the significant milestones in bilateral relations—ranging from Sweden being the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, to its provision of over USD 3 billion in non-refundable aid, which supported the construction of iconic medical and industrial projects such as the Bai Bang Paper Mill, the National Children’s Hospital, and Uong Bi Hospital.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for enhanced collaboration across strategic areas such as green transition, digital transformation, science and technology, education, and healthcare—particularly in key infrastructure investments including seaports, airports, railways, and renewable energy—against the backdrop of a volatile global trade environment.
He affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a gateway for Swedish goods to enter the ASEAN market, while expressing hope that Sweden would become a bridge for Vietnamese products to access the Nordic region—characterized by high living standards, stringent sustainability criteria, and growing demand for green, organic, and responsible products.
Green and Digital Transformation: New Pillars of Cooperation Between Two Leading Economies
Speaking at the Vietnam–Sweden Investment Dialogue on Infrastructure and Green Transition, Minister Dousa emphasized: “Vietnam is not only a place for manufacturing, but is increasingly becoming a place for research and development.” He noted that this opens a new era of cooperation that goes beyond traditional trade, toward co-creation and co-innovation between enterprises of both countries.
Green transition and circular economy were central themes of the visit. Minister Dousa praised Vietnam’s commitment to carbon neutrality and stated that Sweden is ready to share its advanced solutions in renewable energy, sustainable packaging, wastewater treatment and recycling, as well as promote cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and smart digital infrastructure.
Sweden: Recognizing Vietnam as a Strategic Partner in the Global Value Chain
With impressive GDP growth, a skilled young workforce, and an economy climbing higher in the global value chain, Vietnam is increasingly viewed by the Swedish business community as one of the most promising investment destinations in Asia.
Currently, around 70 Swedish companies operate in Vietnam, including major names such as Ericsson, ABB, AstraZeneca, Tetra Pak, and Getinge. Minister Dousa expressed his hope that this number would double in the coming years, particularly in sectors such as digital healthcare, life sciences, industrial equipment, smart mobility, and innovation.
“I work day and night to bring more Swedish businesses to Vietnam,” he told the press, emphasizing that “Free trade and openness are the keys to innovation and sustainable development.”
Commitment to Promoting EVIPA and Lifting the IUU Yellow Card
In high-level meetings with Vietnamese leaders, Minister Dousa pledged to advocate for the swift ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by EU member states, in order to provide a solid legal framework for long-term investment flows between the two sides.
He also confirmed Sweden’s willingness to coordinate with relevant European Commission bodies to push for the lifting of the “IUU yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood exports, supporting the sector’s reaccess to the EU—one of Vietnam’s most important and sustainable export markets.
Strengthening Cooperation in Healthcare and Innovation
As part of the visit, Minister Dousa toured the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, met with hospital leadership, and discussed potential initiatives in pediatric care, digital healthcare, diagnostic technology, and medical research.
He also delivered the opening address at the Vietnam–Sweden Healthcare Cooperation Conference, attended by leading companies in life sciences and medical devices, including AstraZeneca, Elekta, Getinge, and Mölnlycke.
A New Chapter of Cooperation Between Two Forward-Thinking Nations
Minister Benjamin Dousa’s visit to Vietnam not only continued a legacy of long-standing friendship, but also ushered in a new phase of deepened, practical, and strategic cooperation—particularly as both nations strive toward shared goals of green, equitable, and sustainable development.
In this shared vision, Vietnam can become a central partner in Swedish companies’ expansion strategies in Asia, while Sweden remains a source of inspiration in innovation, technology, and a development model that harmonizes growth with social responsibility.